POLICE have been following up new lines of enquiries in their search for missing mother-of-three Joanne Sheen.
Joanne was reported missing at the start of 2020 by her family but hasn't been seen since December 2019.
Since her disappearance, police have been searching the are for any sign of her whereabouts and now, they say items including trainers and a handbag are being examined after they were found under the pier at Mayflower Park.
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Below is everything we know about Joe's disappearance and the investigation:
When did she go missing?
Joanne, from Southampton, was reported missing when she was 44-years-old on February 22, 2020.
The last known sighting of her was on December 5, 2019 when she travelled from Fareham, back to Southampton by train, with a friend.
Following the missing person report, police began conducting enquiries in the area and launched a public appeal to find her on April 17 that year.
The force said at the time that it was not out of character for Joanne to occasionally not make contact with friends and loved ones for some weeks.
Where have police been searching?
In August 2020, police said they were searching the River Itchen for missing Jo.
They also conducted operations on Empress Road, speaking to numerous witnesses, friends and associates to try and find out where she might be.
The Mount Pleasant Road area was also searched and multiple public appeals have been launched including videos with investigating officers and Joanne's family.
But now police say they have been looking in the Mayflower Park area as well.
What have police been doing near the park?
On Wednesday, police issued a video giving details of the latest step in their investigation.
A spokesperson said: "Information recently came to light which led us to search under the pier next to Mayflower Park.
"Last month, officers from our marine unit searched the area for several hours.
"Items including trainers and a handbag were found and will be examined further to establish whether or not they are of relevance to this investigation."
What have Joanne's family said?
Last September, Jo's daughters, Hayley and Layla gathered at the White Swan off Mansbridge Road, leading a procession of around 30 people to nearby Riverside Park in memory of their mother.
Layla said: “She’s not been forgotten about. There’s loads of people that love her.
“It’s crazy that she’s not here with us right now and there’s no explanation as to why."
Hayley previously described her mum as a lovely, loving person in a renewed appeal to find Jo.
Was anyone arrested in relation to the disappearance?
In November last year, it was revealed that a 30-year-old woman from Southampton had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
She was released under investigation whilst three others were arrested: A 63-year-old man, a 50-year-old man and a 29-year-old man from Basingstoke.
They were all released under investigation.
The murder investigation was opened on November 2, 2020.
What have police said?
During an interview with the Daily Echo, Superintendent Kelly Whiting said: “We know that Joanne used to work in and around that area [Empress Road] so it is the most logical place to start our search for her.
“We believe that she was a sex worker.”
“We have no idea where Joanne is so we are appealing for help.
“We have to think about the possibility that she has come to harm, whether she has harmed herself or a third party has harmed her."
Referring to the search carried out under the pier, DI Toby Elcock said: "We hope this shows we remain dedicated to finding out what happened to Jo and that we will pursue all lines of enquiry available to us.
Anyone with information can call Hampshire police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting Operation Blackboard or 44200068330.
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